Rooney - Iniesta's the best

as the 'best player in the world' after Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League final.

Iniesta, who had been doubtful for the game, pulled the strings in midfield as Barca outplayed the 2008 winners in the Rome showpiece.

Much of the build-up before the game centred on the battle between United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and his Barca rival Lionel Messi to prove who is the game's leading light.

However, United forward Rooney believes the talents of Iniesta should lead to the Spanish midfielder being labelled the world's best footballer.

"Barcelona are a brilliant team and in my opinion Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world, he's incredible," said Rooney.

"They're a great team, pass the ball well and if you don't take your chances, they will punish you. That is what happened.

"We're still a young team and we can come back I hope.

"It is very disappointing and the feeling at the moment is not a good one. We are hurting. But we have to forget it and look forward to next season."

Samuel Eto'o and Messi scored Barca's goals and Rooney had no complaints with the outcome as United failed to secure a Quadruple.

He added: "It is a big disappointment, but Barcelona were the better team.

"They deserved to win. I've never played against a better team than this Barcelona. They're a brilliant team.

"Barcelona scored two good goals and unfortunately for us, they came at good times. That made it very difficult for us."

Beautiful Barca

"I want the players to realise they are playing in front of the whole world. I want them to feel good, be daring and play beautiful football. I want them to show that we deserve to be European champions."

Above are the words of UEFA Champions League-winning manager Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona captain, now 38-years-old and manager of the Spanish giants, delivered. His players delivered for him. The onlooking football lover was satisfied, spoilt.

All the makings of a fairytale - the backdrop, the characters, the romance - the game between two footballing leviathans was a rare occurrence whereby the customary pre-match hyperbole was justified. A supporter need not be briefed of its grandeur.

There were no eyebrows raised upon the submitting of the team-sheets, the starting XIs as predicted: Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta passed fit for Barca, Ryan Giggs replacing the suspended Darren Fletcher for United.

First, the question of dictator, the pursuer. Initially, it was United, and those who were quick to rudely point at Barca's backline reshuffle appeared justified. But them fingers would prove better arrowed at adeptness further forward. Guardiola knew he had enough attacking armoury to shelter potential weak spots. La Blaugrana are what Arsenal aspire to be.

The main point for consideration in the lead up to the encounter was Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo, with television pundits and journalists scouring their thesauruses for a fresh superlative for the pair, who finished first and second in the Fifa World Player of the Year vote for 2008.

Indeed, Ronaldo's bullish, yet dainty, approach was apparent, the Portuguese swinging tree-trunk muscle through the ball on several occasions in the early stages. But it was a false start. Messi, meanwhile, floated - the ability to interchange vital in the modern game - threatening to pull his left trigger.

With an intake of breath drawn when said duo were in possession, one risked overlooking other masters. There were many on show. At half-time, Xavi, a player often taken for granted, had lost the ball just three times out of 37 passes while covering 5.74km. By full-time his pass completion stood at 93 per cent.

Iniesta, too, stood tall, despite cutting a diminutive figure, at 5ft 6.5in, at Stadio Olimpico. Like a puppet that can harrowingly spring to life, the Spaniard has ability to not only smell the blood of an opportunity, but to seize it. It was Iniesta's probing run that assisted Samuel Eto'o. And it was Xavi's tantalising cross that met Messi's forehead.

Of the Argentine, much has been made, particularly from the English media, of his failure to score versus English opposition. At his 11th attempt, that statistic, which seemed to reek of Primera Division jealousy, went up in smoke. He lit up the grandest of stages.

It is true, the Premier League champions had an off day, but at this level mistakes are rightly punished. Barca's performance was professional with decoration. It even highlighted Guus Hiddink's impressive work over two semi-final legs in charge of Chelsea. Even then, Guardiola's XI was stronger on paper. Yet on 27th May, Barca's display, not needing last-minute drama, was whole.

It was worthy of such a coveted crown.

Evra: I'm ready to fight Cesc

PATRICE EVRA has threatened to fight Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

The Manchester United defender believes the Gunners skipper attempted to injure him so he would miss tonight's Champions League final.

Fabregas was booked for a tackle near the end of Arsenal's 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on May 16.

Evra rapped: "If it amuses you to hit people, you do boxing, you do taekwondo, whatever you want. But you don't play football.

" We will see each other again off the pitch and there will not be a referee to give me a red card.

"I was really disappointed. Everyone understood that he wanted to hurt me.

"It was because of what I said after the Champions League semi-final: 11 boys against 11 men.

"I said it and I thought it. But in this world, as soon as you say what you think then you are seen as arrogant."

Evra also revealed he has been sending constant texts to fellow Frenchman and Barcelona star Thierry Henry, who has been battling to be fit for the showdown in Rome.

He added: "He told me he was working like crazy to get fit. At the start, he was pessimistic. I told him 'Don't talk nonsense, you have to be there'. It is important for France."

Bizarrely, Evra also claims he has 24 brothers and sisters.

He declared: "They are not from the same mother, I assure you!

"My father, he didn't watch the television..."

Tyson’s girl, 4, dies after hanging

BOXER Mike Tyson’s four-year-old daughter has lost her fight for life after hanging herself in a freak accident on his treadmill.

The ex-world heavyweight champion, 42, kept a heartbreaking vigil by the side of Exodus on a life-support machine.

She had stopped breathing when her seven-year-old brother Miguel found her with her neck caught in the cord of an exercise machine at the family’s home in Phoenix, Arizona.

The girl’s mother performed the kiss of life and CPR to bring Exodus back to life.

Then paramedics continued to try and revive her as she was rushed to hospital.

But last night Phoenix police said the little girl was pronounced dead in hospital.

Police said it had been a “tragic accident”.

Spokesman Sgt Andy Hill added: “Somehow Exodus was playing on this treadmill, and there’s a cord that hangs under the console — it’s kind of a loop.

“Either she slipped or put her head in the loop, but it acted like a noose and she was obviously unable to get herself off of it.”

It is believed the mum had been cleaning in another part of the house when the accident happened.

Tyson — who has six kids by several women — was in Las Vegas and flew to his daughter’s bedside.

Last night the family issued a statement to reporters saying: “The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time.”

Celebrating failure

Brown: Sing when you're losing

Picture the scene: supporters celebrating in the stands, players swigging champagne while doing a lap of honour on the pitch, wives, girlfriends and children joining in the party atmosphere and, most surreal of all, the manager belting out an impromptu Beach Boys-inspired karaoke session.

So what was the occasion to spark such jubilation? A title triumph or a cup success? No, neither of those. Perhaps a place in Europe had been achieved, or maybe a promotion spot had been secured? Negatives again. How about a play-off berth, or a trip to Wembley? Nope.

The real reason for the unconfined joy was that Hull City had just lost their final home game of the season to a reserve Manchester United side to achieve the hugely notable distinction of being the fourth worst team in the Premier League. Congratulations.

Before the East Yorkshire hordes use up all of Kingston Communications' broadband bandwidth as they email indignant responses, let me qualify those comments.

I have no axe to grind with Hull City. The Tigers deserved to stay up. They gained more points over the 38-game season than the three teams who finished below them. Phil Brown's men were also a real breath of fresh air in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Brown should also be applauded for guiding Hull from the Championship relegation zone to the top-flight for the first time ever in the club's history. I might even have forgiven him for singing after achieving that. Then again, perhaps not.

But what irks me is the giddy response to beating the drop. Hull's defeat to effectively the Red Devils' second string was their 11th home reverse of the season, the worst record in the entire Premier League.

It is not even as though the Tigers saved themselves with a dramatic and passionate final day performance, triumphing in the face of adversity with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill charging up front to score with the last kick of the game, mirroring Jimmy Glass' memorable effort for Carlisle a decade ago.

Instead they seemed happy to settle for a 1-0 defeat, preferring to rely on the fact that Newcastle were even more inept as they slipped to defeat at Aston Villa, despite the fact that a single goal for the Magpies would have seen the two clubs switch places in the table.

The Tigers, for all their impressive early season form, have been simply appalling for the second half of the campaign. 15 defeats were sustained during their last 22 games, during which time they won just once.

After the start they made, a mid-table finish should have been the least of their ambitions, yet they appeared utterly delighted to settle for slumping down the rankings to eventually scrape into 17th. Why not aim higher?

Hull have an impressive stadium, substantial support and are hardly operating on a shoe-string budget. Geovanni and George Boateng weren't only encouraged to move to the club by the bracing North Sea air and the opportunity to visit 'The Deep'.

The desire to finish fourth from bottom is an affliction which spreads far beyond Hull. Too many Premier League clubs are happy simply to be at the party, with no real intention of making any meaningful contribution.

Four teams have realistic title ambitions, another quartet would like to finish in the top four, and the rest, seemingly, would be happy not to be in the bottom three. Even Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, who skilfully guided the Cottagers into Europe via a seventh-placed finish, admitted as much towards the end of the campaign.

It is clear the riches which come with regular UEFA Champions League action give a select few a distinct advantage, but the rest should show more ambition than simply keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that there will be three worse teams than them come May.

Only one side in the history of the Premier League has survived with fewer points than Hull garnered this year. West Brom tallied a pitiful 34 in the 2004/05 campaign and were duly relegated the following season. Brown will need to spend the summer rallying his troops to avoid following suit.

I'll leave the final word to a Tigers supporter who was interviewed outside the KC Stadium following 'Survival Sunday'. When asked how he felt, he replied, without a trace of irony: "Fantastic. We were rubbish."

Ronaldo focused on glory

Cristiano Ronaldo is desperate to help Manchester United become the first team to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday

The Red Devils are the reigning champions following their penalty shoot-out success over Chelsea last year and find themselves back in the final after seeing off Arsenal in the semis.

Much has been made of Ronaldo's long-term future at Old Trafford, but nothing will take the Portugal international's focus away from helping United retain their crown in Rome.

The 24-year-old capped a fine 2008 by claiming the European Footballer of the Year award, although it is the Champions League trophy that the former Sporting ace has set his eyes on.

"It's normal that people speak about me but I am 100 per cent focused on this game," explained Ronaldo.

"I try to help my team 100 per cent, score a goal and win the game. That's it.

"I don't care about the Ballon d'Or. What I want more is to win the Champions League.

"I just want to be the first team in history to win it twice."

Ronaldo has long been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and the fans' favourite has conceded he has a soft spot for La Liga.

The Portugal international has acknowledged Barca will be a tough nut to crack in Rome, although he believes United are better and will emerge triumphant.

"I like the Spanish league," explained Ronaldo. "I feel well in England in the Premier League, it is the strongest league.

"Barcelona have a great team which deserves respect but I believe we are better than them and we will show it.

"I respect Barcelona profoundly. Messi is playing marvellously well. I want to be sincere. I have to play well for the team and the supporters. I look forward to it and I think it will be really special."

Awards double for United

Ferguson and Vidic: Honoured

Sir Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic have been named Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Season.

The Manchester United pair have been recognised after helping the club claim a third successive league title.

The Red Devils made a slow start to their campaign with just one win in their opening four games before surging to the summit of the table in January.

They embarked on an unbeaten run of 16 games following a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal and set a new record of consecutive clean sheets.

Liverpool and Chelsea continued to challenge for top spot but United could not be dislodged and they clinched an 11th title under Ferguson with a goalless draw against the Gunners on the penultimate weekend of the season.

It is the ninth time Ferguson has received the honour while Vidic collects his for the first time in his career.

The Serbian was consistently impressive at the heart of a United defence that conceded just 24 goals in 38 games.

An awards panel including representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans made the decision to honour Ferguson and Vidic.

Confusion over Pfister future

There is confusion over the future of Otto Pfister as Cameroon coach The future of Otto Pfister as Cameroon coach has been thrown into doubt after he left the squad rather than join them at a training camp in Belgium. The Indomitable Lions are preparing for next month's 2010 World Cup qualifiers at home to Morocco and then in Gabon. The BBC has learnt that as the squad arrived in Belgium, Pfister decided to continue his journey elsewhere. The German coach did not explain his decision and has left the squad in a state of confusion. Cameroon lost their opening game in the final round of World Cup qualifying suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Pfister's former team Togo.

Barca's Toure ready for 'decider'

Midfielder Toure may be asked to play at centre-back in Wednesday's final

Barcelona star Yaya Toure believes Wednesday's Champions League final against Manchester United will decide who is the best team in the world.

Barca have already won the Spanish double this season and United have just clinched an 11th Premier League title.

"Everyone is excited about this game because we are the two best teams in the world," Toure, 26, told BBC Sport.

"It will be a great game in Rome as there will be 22 great players taking part - and it could go either way."

Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 156 goals in all competitions and producing some outstanding football in the process.

But Toure, whose brother Kolo plays for Arsenal, is under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces them at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It will be very difficult because Manchester United are a fantastic team, you have to be to win what they have won," added Toure.

"They are physically very strong, they have a truly great footballer in Cristiano Ronaldo and they won the Champions League last year, so we know it will be very difficult.

"It will be a great game and it's important that we play at 100% because anything less and you cannot beat this team.

"But we have plenty of confidence ourselves because we won the double and we believe we can win the trophy."

Ivory Coast international Toure, who has spent his career as a central midfielder, may be asked to play at centre-back by Barca because of injury and suspension problems.

He played there against Chelsea in the semi-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge and is happy to play anywhere for the benefit of the team.

"I am lucky because I get to play in midfield all the time, I like it there and feel I'm playing some very good football," stated Toure.

"But if Barcelona need me to play at the back, I will do it - I will try my best anywhere for the team.

"I can play in the defence too and the only thing that matters on a night like Wednesday is what is best for Barcelona, not me."

Kanu backs Hart for Pompey boss

Kanu says the Portsmouth players want Hart to stay Portsmouth striker Kanu believes caretaker manager Paul Hart should be given the job permanently. The Nigerian, 32, who has yet to decide whether to stay at Pompey, says he and his team-mates want to play for Hart. "He has kept us in the Premier League and the players want him to stay", Kanu told The News. Midfielder Hayden Mullins had also backed Hart, who has been in temporary charge of Portsmouth since February following the departure of Tony Adams. Hart, helped by assistant boss Brian Kidd, guided the club to Premier League safety with 17 points from 14 games. Kanu, who joined Portsmouth from West Brom in 2006, has the option of another year on his contract but has not yet decided whether to take it. The forward said he would be tempted to stay at at Fratton Park if Hart was made permanent manager. "I have offers from France, Italy, Germany, Qatar, the United States and Japan but it's likely I'm going to be at Portsmouth next season," said Kanu. "Portsmouth appreciate what I have done for them and I would like to stay. "I want to play for Paul Hart as well. He has done a great job. Every player wants to play for him. He has got the experience and the players want him to stay." Mullins, 30, also backed Hart to become permanent boss. "He has done brilliantly and I think he deserves it," the midfielder said.

the Professional Footballers' Association

joyi

With the Professional Footballers' Association having dished out their annual awards, skysports.com wants to hear your views on who you feel have been the stand-out performers in the 2008/09 campaign.

In a series of features we will be looking to compile a team made up of players voted for by you - the fans.

Logic dictates that every good team needs a skilful man on the right of midfield so we will be continuing our search for the Premier League's best XI in that slot.

The PFA voted Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo as their top choice, but do you agree with that verdict?

We have selected eight candidates we feel are worthy of gracing any side and all you have to do is choose your favourite.

THIERRY HENRY and Andres Iniesta are back in training for Barcelona - as they bid to be fit for the Rome showdown.

The duo are racing against the clock to face Manchester United in the Champions League final.

But coach Pepe Guardiola was given a big boost as both players completed their first full training session.

Ex-Arsenal striker Henry - who has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season - has been sidelined with a knee injury since Barca's 6-2 win at Real Madrid at the beginning of the month.

Influential midfielder Iniesta has been out with a thigh problem picked up a week later in the 3-3 draw against Villarreal.

DIMITAR BERBATOV will snub a Champions League final penalty after his FA Cup miss.

Manchester United striker Berba was slaughtered after his limp kick was saved against Everton in the Cup semi-final shootout defeat.

He said: "That hurt. I'm not sure I'd step up now."

Manchester United's route to the UEFA Champions League final

DJAXPOO

Rome time: United celebrate victory at the Emirates

There have been one or two blips on the road to Rome but Manchester United are safely there. We look at the Red Devils' route to this year's UEFA Champions League final.

GROUP E

Man Utd 0 Villarreal 0 (September 17)

United kicked off their defence of their Champions League crown with a stalemate at Old Trafford notable mainly for Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance since last season's final. Both teams can count themselves unlucky not to have snatched a victory as Guille Franco saw his effort rebound off the inside of the post while Jonny Evans' point-blank header also rattled the woodwork.

AAB Aalborg 0 Man Utd 3 (September 30)

United strolled to victory in Denmark courtesy of Wayne Rooney's strike and a Dimitar Berbatov double. The Bulgarian got off the mark for his new club 10 minutes into the second half and lashed home an acrobatic second 11 minutes from time, while the Red Devils also had a Carlos Tevez effort ruled out for offside.

Man Utd 3 Celtic 0 (October 21)

Another Berbatov brace saw United secure a second consecutive 3-0 victory. He pounced either side of half-time before Rooney added another in the 76th minute to see United earn a comfortable victory in the Battle of Britain.

Celtic 1 Man Utd 1 (November 5)

Celtic thought they had secured their first win of their campaign courtesy of Scott McDonald's brilliant lob in the 13th minute. However, with six minutes remaining, goalkeeper Artur Boruc could only parry Ronaldo's drive and Ryan Giggs headed home to break Scottish hearts.

REDS END THE SEASON IN STYLE

Liverpool have ended their Premier League season with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Goals from Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun along with an own goal by Alan Hutton ensured the Reds ended the 2008-2009 campaign unbeaten at home and finish the term as runner-up to Manchester United. The Anfield faithful were also treated to a late cameo from stalwart Sami Hyypia who sets sail for German football next year after decade's service with the Merseysiders. Spurs, who needed to win to enter next seasons Europa League, did find the net when Robbie Keane returned to score against the team he left in January but it wasn't enough.

28 REASONS WHY REDS SHOULD BE PROUD

	We all know first place is everything at Anfield, but despite missing out on the Barclays Premier League by the slenderest of margins there are still plenty of reasons why we can look back with pride on our 2008-09 campaign.
Whether it be amassing a record points total, leading the goalscoring charts, enjoying our best away form for over one hundred years or completing memorable league doubles over both Manchester United and Chelsea, the past nine months have provided numerous reasons why we can look forward to the new campaign with hopes and expectations high. We may not have ended the season as champions of England this time - but here are 28 reasons why we should feel positive when reflecting on the latest season in our glorious history. The Reds amassed their highest points total ever in the Premier League (86) beating the 82 set in 2005-06. It is our highest in the league since 1987-88. The total of 86 points is more than we needed to clinch 12 of our 18 league titles (all seasons based on three points for a win). We won 14 points against the other members of the ‘Big Four’. It was as many points as we had won against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in the previous three seasons put together. Liverpool scored 77 league goals this season – our best since 1990-91 when we also scored 77, and finished second in the title race to Arsenal. 16 players scored in the league this season – one fewer than the club record set in 1911-12. We finished the campaign with a goal difference of +50 - our best for 21 years when we amassed +63 in 1987-88. The Reds went through a league campaign at Anfield undefeated for the 10th time in their history and for the first time since 1987-88. We extended our unbeaten run of league games at home to 30 – the best run for 28 years and equalled the fourth best sequence in our history. We amassed seven more points than when we last won the title in 1989-90 (then it was 79). We equalled the club record set in 1904-05 by winning 13 away league games. Liverpool amassed 43 away points this season - the most in our history. We finished the season averaging 2.26 points per game – the second best ever average in our 94 seasons in the top-flight. The best is 2.33 points in 1978-79 (98 points from 42 games based on 3 pts for a win). We scored at least three goals in five successive league games for the first time since 1987. And we netted at least three goals in six successive games in all competitions for the first time in the club’s history. We only lost two league games this season - our best record since 1987-88 when we also lost twice. That season we drew 12 games but still won the title by nine points from Manchester United. We became the first team ever to lose only two games in a season and not go on to win the league. Chelsea in 2007-08, 2006-07 and Nottingham Forest 1978-79 were all runners-up having lost three games. Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home record with a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. We recorded the club's first league ‘double’ over Chelsea for 19 years. A Yossi Benayoun goal ensured we became only the second English team to win in the Bernabeu. And at Anfield we inflicted upon Real Madrid their biggest ever Champions League defeat as we went goal crazy with a 4-0 win. Overall we sent Madrid crashing to their heaviest two-legged European defeat in the knockout stages for 20 years. We recorded our biggest win at Old Trafford for 72 years. It was also the first time four Liverpool players had scored at United in the same game. Rafael Benitez broke Bill Shankly’s record of 65 European matches as Liverpool manager. The boss also broke Bob Paisley’s record of 40 European wins. Rafa recorded his 100th league win as manager in his 181st game. It was the 3rd quickest ever by a Liverpool manager and 50 games faster than Alex Ferguson. Liverpool have lost only six league games in total in the last two seasons. Manchester United have lost nine. Arsenal have also lost nine and Chelsea eight. Liverpool finished the season as leading scorers in the Premier League. They scored 77 compared to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, who all scored 68. The Reds boast the highest goals per game average of any team in all four divisions in England (1.93 goals per game) and will finish the season as such unless one of the following happens – Manchester United score nine in the Champions League Final or Chelsea score six in the F.A. Cup Final.

Newcastle's season of misery

RELEGATION TRIGGERS HEARTBREAK After a desperate battle which they never truly looked like winning, sorry Newcastle slipped out of the Premier League after 16 entertaining years in the top flight on the last day of the 2008-2009 season. Hope usually spring eternal for football fans on Tyneside - but not now. Rarely did the Magpies look like a team of genuine quality and with a series of dramas on and off the pitch, many of them connected with managerial chances, staying afloat proved too much. Here BBC Sport takes a look at how their tumultuous season played out…

Duff pledges future to Newcastle

Duff spent seven years at Blackburn and three with Chelsea Newcastle winger Damien Duff has vowed to remain at St James' Park and hopes Alan Shearer will remain as manager. Duff's own goal at Aston Villa sealed Newcastle's relegation and the 30-year-old said: "I'm devastated. I don't know what words can describe the way I feel. "I'm as loyal as they come and, whether the gaffer stays or goes, I'd love to try to get Newcastle back up. "If there's one man to get us back up it's Alan Shearer. I've loved working with him and it's been a proper club." It is the second time Duff has experienced relegation, having been part of the Blackburn squad that went down in the 1998-99 season. "When it happened at Blackburn, I wasn't planning on seeing it again in my career. It's not a nice feeling," said the Republic of Ireland international, who joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2006. "No disrespect to the Championship but Newcastle are too big a club to be down there. I plan on being straight back up after next season." To compound the misery, it was Duff's own goal that confirmed the Magpies' exit from the top flight and he admitted: "You think, 'why me?'. "But I'm a big man and I've been around for a while now, so I'm going to have to get over it. "I'll be thinking about it for a long, long time but what can you do? That's football. You can't dwell on disappointments in your career. You have to move on." Shearer took temporary charge at Newcastle in April but the club won only four points from his eight matches at the helm. "I think he's been brilliant even though we haven't got the results to keep us up," stated Duff. "It's the first time in a long while that this place has felt like a proper football club. Things are done right and it's been a breath of fresh air. It's just disappointing we couldn't stay up for him and the fans." Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who came through the academy system at the club, said: "The dressing room was like a funeral afterwards. Everybody was devastated. "It's the worst feeling I've had as a professional footballer. It's the worst day in our careers. "I've got the European Championships with England Under-21s to focus on now. That's all I can do but this is something I'll never, ever forget. "The 3,000 Newcastle fans who came down to Villa Park are the reason you play. "It's got to be an honour to play for Newcastle United Football Club. I know there will be changes but I don't know what's going to happen. As players, we haven't got a clue but I'd just ask the fans to stick with us next year."

Nadal sets French Open record with 29th straight victory

PARIS (AP) — The modern day King of Clay eclipsed another mark Monday, this time breaking the French Open men's record for consecutive wins.

Top-seeded Rafael Nadal looked his usual dominant self in the first round, beating Marcos Daniel of Brazil 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 for his 29th straight win on the red clay at Roland Garros.

The win bettered the mark held by Bjorn Borg, who won 28 straight from 1978-81. Nadal also equaled the overall tournament record, matching the 29 straight that Chris Evert won between 1974-75 and 1979-81. Evert did not play at the French Open from 1976-78.

Nadal was broken three times by Daniel, but the top-seeded Spaniard remained perfect on the French Open's red clay as he tries to become the first player to win five straight titles at Roland Garros.

"You always start with some nerves," Nadal said before walking off center court. "I'm very happy with the win and to advance to the second round."

Dinara Safina, the top-seeded player in the women's draw, and No. 3 Venus Williams also advanced. Safina routed Anne Keothavong of Britain 6-0, 6-0 by spraying shots to all parts of the court.

"I was just playing point by point, game by game, and it ended up like this," said Safina, half of the only brother-sister combination alongside Marat Safin to have served as the No. 1-ranked player in the world.

On the men's side, 10th-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, No. 23 Robin Soderling of Sweden and No. 30 Victor Hanescu of Romania advanced.

Later Monday, three-time French Open finalist Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova were scheduled to play.

Keothavong had a couple of chances against Safina on center court, but she wasted two break points in the third game of the first set, and led 40-0 in the fourth game of the second but couldn't hold on.

"When that's happening to you all you want to do is get on the scoreboard, but I wasn't able to do that," Keothavong said. "It just kept getting harder and harder."

During the changeover for the final game, Keothavong sat in her chair with a French Open towel draped over her head. She emerged from the short break and quickly trailed 0-40, giving Safina three match points.

But Keothavong saved them all, on unforced errors from Safina, and even held two game points.

Safina wasted a fourth match point by hitting long and converted the fifth with a forehand winner down the line.

"After I (shook) her hand, she said: 'At least you could give me one game,"' Safina said. "I could imagine it's not nice to feel (like that) on the court, but I was just so into myself."

Victoria Azarenka and Ana Ivanovic won 6-0, 6-0 at the French Open last year, and Serena Williams did it in 2003.

Safina took over as the top-ranked women's player in April, but she has yet to win a Grand Slam title. She lost in last year's French Open final, and also came within a match of winning the Australian Open this season.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, survived a sudden second-set slump to beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. She won the match's first five games, while Mattek asked for a medical time-out during the first set so a trainer could look at her right wrist.

Williams has never won the French Open, but she did reach the final in 2002 when she lost to little sister Serena. Overall, Williams holds a 36-12 record at Roland Garros, giving her the most wins of any player in the women's draw at the tournament.

Williams was upset in the third round in three of the last four years. In 2006, she reached the quarterfinals.

No. 15 Zheng Jie of China, No. 22 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain and No. 29 Agnes Szavay of Hungary also advanced to the second round of the women's tournament, but No. 23 Alisa Kleybanova of Russia was upset by Polona Hercoq of Slovenia 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

Barca's Toure ready for 'decider'

Midfielder Toure may be asked to play at centre-back in Wednesday's final

Barcelona star Yaya Toure believes Wednesday's Champions League final against Manchester United will decide who is the best team in the world.

Barca have already won the Spanish double this season and United have just clinched an 11th Premier League title.

"Everyone is excited about this game because we are the two best teams in the world," Toure, 26, told BBC Sport.

"It will be a great game in Rome as there will be 22 great players taking part - and it could go either way."

Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 156 goals in all competitions and producing some outstanding football in the process.

But Toure, whose brother Kolo plays for Arsenal, is under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces them at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It will be very difficult because Manchester United are a fantastic team, you have to be to win what they have won," added Toure.

"They are physically very strong, they have a truly great footballer in Cristiano Ronaldo and they won the Champions League last year, so we know it will be very difficult.

"It will be a great game and it's important that we play at 100% because anything less and you cannot beat this team.

"But we have plenty of confidence ourselves because we won the double and we believe we can win the trophy."

Ivory Coast international Toure, who has spent his career as a central midfielder, may be asked to play at centre-back by Barca because of injury and suspension problems.

He played there against Chelsea in the semi-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge and is happy to play anywhere for the benefit of the team.

"I am lucky because I get to play in midfield all the time, I like it there and feel I'm playing some very good football," stated Toure.

"But if Barcelona need me to play at the back, I will do it - I will try my best anywhere for the team.

"I can play in the defence too and the only thing that matters on a night like Wednesday is what is best for Barcelona, not me."

Wenger - The season has not been a disaster

Regrets? Arsène Wenger has had a few this season, but he insists that the 2008/09 campaign has been anything but a disaster.

Arsenal secured a 12th successive year of Champions League football and reached the last four in that competition as well as the FA Cup. However, Wenger and his players have been slated in some quarters for failing to lift a trophy.

The Frenchman accepts that Arsenal have room for improvement but he is convinced that his squad will blossom in the years to come.

“In the big games, we were still a bit young and played a bit the occasion more than the game, because we were under a lot of pressure and wanted to do so well,” accepted Wenger.

“But at a big club, it is simple. There is philosophy, a style of play and a culture of how you want to play the game. We have all that.

“People think it is a disaster to get to the Semi-Finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup, while finishing fourth. OK, so you can do better. But if that is a disaster, then the future of the Club is very promising.”

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of Wenger’s exit have been greatly exaggerated. Nonetheless, the day will eventually come when the Frenchman bids farewell to the Club he has transformed since 1996.

So what will Wenger’s legacy be? His trophy haul speaks for itself but the 59-year-old hopes he will be remembered for much more besides.

“First of all, legacy is about leaving the Club in every aspect that is important in a good situation,” he said.

“That means you leave a good squad, good young players, a good financial situation, a good structure of the game at the Club.

“What is the most important is the Club goes on and continues to improve. That for me is the biggest pride for any manager who has a positive ambition and philosophy.

“And the state of our club is fantastic.”

Wenger - Man United are not miles ahead

Arsène Wenger knows the League table doesn’t lie – but he thinks it can be economical with the truth.

Manchester United are 18 points ahead of the Frenchman’s side with one game to play and, according to Wenger, are worthy champions. However, the Arsenal manager insists that the gap in class is smaller than the gap in points.

Having crunched the numbers of this Premier League campaign, Wenger believes that the top four are closely matched. It is United’s ruthless efficiency against the division’s lesser lights that has made the difference.

“Take Manchester United - they won only one game against the top four,” said the Frenchman.

“They lost twice against Liverpool, lost and drew against us, and they drew against Chelsea and won one.

“Where Man United made a difference was between 10th and 20th place. They made all doubles in there.

“So they are not as far as people think from the top four teams.

“They were more consistent and found their stride in the right moment of the season.

“But I believe nobody is installed indefinitely in the top four, and can say ‘OK we are miles ahead'. I do not believe that at all.”

AGGER: WHY I'LL MISS SAMI SO MUCH

Agger may have had to settle for a place on the bench on occasions due to the evergreen form of our Finnish centre-half, but Liverpool's No.5 is gutted to be losing a man who has helped his career so much. "I'll be very sad to see Sami Hyypia leave Liverpool. For me he will be a big loss personally, and also a tremendous loss for the football club," Agger told LFC Magazine. "Of all the players and people at Liverpool who helped me settle into a new team in a new country and a new league championship, he was by far the most important presence. He helped me the most. "I owe him a lot. He's really great to talk to. As a young defender you have questions and he's so calm and so happy to help wherever he can. He is a natural leader, in a different way maybe to some of the other leaders in our team. But he has been just as important over the course of my time here at the club." Hyypia could play his last game for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield today and Agger believes the Reds' loss will be Bayer Leverkusen's gain. Agger said: "He's been great for this club for 10 years. Now he will go on to be a great player for Bayer Leverkusen. They are signing one of the best defenders still in England in my opinion. "People like to talk about maybe he doesn't have as much pace as he once did but when you have the intelligence that Sami has you do not need to be quick because there are always ways of compensating for that." Agger is confident his mentor can continue playing at the high standards he has set himself and impress the German Bundesliga with his ability. He added: "I wish him success in Germany, but I don't think he needs it. Player like Sami are successful wherever they go."

LISTEN TO SAMI'S FAREWELL

	Sami Hyypia is set to make his farewell Anfield appearance against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield this afternoon, and as always, you can listen to the big game live online from 3.30pm BST.
If you're not travelling to Anfield for the match then remember you can follow all the action with our 'Match Day Live' coverage. Kop hero David Fairclough will be part of our commentary team for what is sure to be an emotional afternoon as the Kop prepare to bid a fond farewell to Hyypia. Our pre-match radio show - kicking off half an hour before the game gets underway - is yet another reason to sign up for an e-Season Ticket, your access-all-areas pass to the premium content on the club's official website. With weekly interviews with the manager and players at Melwood, goals, highlights and expert analysis from every Premier League, Champions League and Carling Cup game we play, live commentary from wherever in the world the Reds are playing, live coverage of the reserve team, action from the Academy and exclusive 'Top 100' countdowns, the e-Season Ticket has never been better value for money and could be yours for as little as 13p per day. And, of course, if you sign up for an e-Season Ticket you can also enjoy live streaming of LFC TV - the club's dedicated channel - or enjoy the best bits on demand whenever you want.

Kanu lays claim to new contract

Kanu scored the only goal in last year's FA Cup Final Portsmouth striker Kanu believes he will be entitled to a new contract provided he makes an appearance in his club's final match at Wigan on Sunday. With 15 players out of contract this summer, cash-strapped Pompey are expected to make radical cuts. But Kanu, 32, believes 25 appearances will guarantee him a new deal. "I'm qualified for another contract. That is what it says in this contract and hopefully I will be here next year because that is what I want," he said. "I love the club, playing for the best supporters there are." Alexandre Gaydamak's decision to make no more personal investment in the club appears to have starved Portsmouth of the necessary funds to keep its high-profile players. Captain Sol Campbell, midfielder Sean Davis and defender Hermann Hreidarsson are among those with uncertain futures even if, as Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie has predicted, the club will have new financiers in July. Kanu was the scorer of the only goal in last year's FA Cup final win. And though he has made only five starts this season, he has been a regular substitute - totting up the matches he feels he needs to guarantee a fresh deal. Pompey declined to comment on the terms of Kanu's deal and Nigeria international's agent and lawyer Samuel Okoronkwo said: "It would not be ethical for me to discuss it."

Enzi za wakongwe zimekwisha -Maximo

amebainisha kuwa amelenga kuwapa nafasi chipukizi na kuwa enzi za kutamba akina Ivo Mapunda na Geofrey Bonny zimekwisha. Maximo alisema hayo mapema wiki hii alipozungumza na gazeti hili kuhusu mikakati mbalimbali ya kuleta maendeleo katika kikosi cha Stars ambacho hivi sasa kiko kambini kujiandaa na mchezo wa kirafiki wa kimataifa dhidi ya New Zealand. Mechi hiyo imepangwa kufanyika Juni 3 kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa, Dar es Salaam. Maximo alisema kuwa kwa sasa wachezaji wenye umri mkubwa itakuwa vigumu kuwepo kwenye kikosi cha Stars kwani lengo ni kuwa na kikosi chenye wachezaji wengi chipukizi ambao watacheza kwa muda mrefu hasa kutumika kwenye kampeni za kufuzu fainali za Kombe la Dunia 2014 na Mataifa ya Afrika (CAN). “Wakati wa akina Ivo na Bonny sasa umepita hivi sasa tunajiimarisha zaidi kwa kuleta chipukizi wenye uwezo katika kikosi cha Stars ili kuwajenga uwezo zaidi, kwani ndio watakuwa na uwezo wa kuwa kwenye kikosi hicho kwa muda mrefu kuliko wachezaji wakongwe,” alisema Maximo. Maximo aliongeza kuwa kwa sasa ni vigumu kuwaita wachezaji kama Mapunda na Bonny kwenye kikosi, kwani pamoja na kuwa bado na uwezo wa kucheza katika timu hiyo hawawezi kudumu kwa muda mrefu hivyo sasa ni wakati wa kujenga chipukizi ambao wanaonekana kumudu nafasi hizo. “Tayari tumejenga imani na makipa tulionao sasa Shaaban Dihile na Mustafa Ally ‘Barthez’ kwani wameonyesha uwezo wa kumudu nafasi hiyo kwa hiyo sitarajii kumwita Mapunda,” alisema Maximo. Mbali na suala hilo, pia kocha Maximo alisema hana mpango wa kujaza nafasi ambazo nahodha wa Stars, Shadrack Nsajigwa ambaye amekwenda kufanya majaribio Ulaya pamoja na Nizar ambaye naye ataondoka Juni mosi kwenda Uingereza kwa ajili ya kufanya majaribio kwenye klabu ya Tottenham Hotspurs. Alisema hana mpango wa kujaza nafasi hizo kwani tayari anao wachezaji ambao wanamudu nafasi hizo ambao ni Erasto Nyoni na Nurdin Bakari. Wakati huo huo, mtaalamu wa mazoezi ya viungo wa Stars, Marcelo Guerreiro ametoa changamoto kwa klabu za Tanzania hasa zile za ligi kuu kumsaidia kuwajengea stamina na nguvu wachezaji wa klabu zao kutokana na kuwa nao kwa muda mrefu kuliko wanapokuwa kwenye timu ya taifa. Guerreiro alisema jambo hilo linawezekana kwa klabu kuajiri wataalamu wa mazoezi ya viungo, jambo ambalo liliungwa mkono na wachezaji wanaounda kikosi cha Stars ambacho kinaendelea na mazoezi ya kujiandaa na mechi dhidi ya New Zealand

Ferguson awatema Tevez, Berbatov

KOCHA wa Manchester United ametangaza kikosi cha awali cha fainali ya Ligi ya Mabingwa Ulaya dhidi ya Barcelona, Jumatano akiwaweka benchi, Carlos Tevez na Dimitar Berbatov.

Uamuzi ambao umechukuliwa siku chache kabla ya pambano hilo, umechukuliwa na wengi kama pigo la mwisho kwenye maisha ya Tevez klabuni Man United.

Lakini, Ferguson alieleza kuwa atawaingiza uwanjani Tevez au Berbatov wakitokea benchi ili kuongeza nguvu.

Tevez , ameiambia Man United kuwa anataka mkataba wa kudumu baada ya kuichezea kwa mkopo kwa miaka miwili au kinyume chake aachiwe aondoke mwezi ujao. Tayari, Liverpool imetangaza dau nono la pauni milioni 50 na mshahara wa pauni 160,000 kwa mwezi .

Hata hivyo, Ferguson wiki hii alijibu mapigo akieleza kuwa atazitumia bunduki zile zile zilizoiteketeza ngome ya Arsenal, Emirates, Mei 5 kuimaliza Barcelona.

Lakini, Ferguson katika kikosi hicho amemwingiza mkongwe Ryan Giggs ambaye hakuanza fainali ya mwaka jana dhidi ya Chelsea. Giggs mjini Moscow, Russia kuziba pengo la Darren Fletcher aliyesimamishwa.

Uamuzi huo umechukuliwa na wengi kuwa utamchocheaTevez auone kama tusi kwake na kufikiria kuondoka kuelekea kwingineko.

Klabu za Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid zinamtaka mshambuliaji huyo raia wa Argentina, ngawa yeye ametangaza dhamira ya kuhamia Liverpool.

Katika mchezo huo, Mkorea Park Ji Sung ataanza katika mchezo muhimu baada ya kuikosa Chelsea.

Kwa maana hiyo, Fergie ataanza nao Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney na Park kama washambuliaji.

Viungo watakuwa Michael Carrick, Anderson na Giggs .

Anderson ametoa mchango mkubwa katika mechi za Ulaya baada ya Ferguson kumchezesha dhidi ya Porto, hatua ya robo fainali na mechi zote dhidi ya Arsenal.

Ukuta wa chuma utakuwa chini ya John O'Shea, kulia, Rio Ferdinand na Nemanja Vidic (kati) na Patrice Evra, kushoto. Edwin van der Sar bila shaka atakuwa langoni.

Ferguson alieleza jana kuwa kikosi hicho kinao uwezo wa kuichana Barca.

Lakini, Man United itawakosa Wes Brown na Owen Hargreaves ambao walitoa mchango mkubwa kwa ushindi wa mwaka jana dhidi ya Chelsea.

Wakati huo huo, Ronaldo amesema fainali hiyo itakuwa vita kati yake na nyota wa Barca, Lionel Messi.

Tuma maoni

Chelsea, Drogba , Bosingwa wawekwa kizimba cha Uefa

SHIRIKISHO la Soka Ulaya (Uefa) limeanza rasmi mashtaka dhidi ya klabu ya Chelsea na baadhi ya wachezaji wake nyota kufuatia utovu wa nidhamu katika mchezo dhidi ya Barcelona wiki mbili zilizopita.

Pamoja na klabu, wachezaji Didier Drogba na Jose Bosingwa, watatakiwa kujieleza mbele ya jopo la Uefa kuhusiana na vitendo vyao baada ya mechi ya nusu fainali, Mei 6 na uamuzi dhidi yao utatolewa katikati ya Juni.

Mwamuzi raia wa Norway, Tom Henning Ovrebo alikataa madai kadhaa ya penalti kutoka kwa wachezaji wa Chelsea na kutokana na kukatishwa tamaa hasira ziliwapanda baadhi yao mwisho wa mchezo baada ya bao la dakika za majeruhi la Andres Iniesta ambalo liliitupa klabu hiyo nje ya michuano hiyo.

Kuna kila dalili kuwa Drogba anaweza kufungiwa hadi mechi tano kutokana na vitendo vyake na kutozwa faini kubwa. Chelsea, pia itatozwa kiasi kikubwa cha fedha kama faini.

Taarifa ya Uefa juzi ilieleza: "Klabu ya Chelsea imefunguliwa mashtaka ya utovu wa nidhamu kwa wachezaji wake na kurushwa kwa makombora na mashabiki, wakati Drogba na Bosingwa wanatuhumiwa kwa kukiuka kanuni za uanamichezo kwa kumtukana mwamuzi.

"Klabu na wahusika mmoja mmoja wametakiwa kuwasilisha utetezi wao wa maandishi ifikapo Ijumaa, Mei 29. Baada ya hapo, Kamati ya Usimamizi na Nidhamu ya Uefa itashughulikia suala hilo, Juni 17.''

Michael Ballack alimkimbilia mwamuzi baada ya kukataliwa penalti Samuel Eto'o alipochezea mpira kwa mkono.

Baada ya mchezo huo, Drogba alilazimika kuzuiwa asimsogelee mwamuzi na kamera za televisheni zilimwonyesha akimwaga matusi dhidi ya mwamuzi."

Bosingwa amefunguliwa mashtaka ya kutoa kauli, ambazo alizikana baada ya mchezo huo. Alisema: ''Sijui kama ni mwamuzi au mwizi. Sina maneno mazuri ya kuzungumzia uamuzi wake uwanjani. Sisi hatuna upinzani dhidi ya bao la Barcelona, lakini tumenyimwa penalti kadhaa, mwamuzi pia ameshindwa kumudu mchezo.

''Mwamuzi huyu hafai kuchezesha tena mpira wa miguuu. Kilichotokea hapa ni aibu. Ulikuwa mchezo ambao timu zote zimecheza, zimeonyesha kiwango cha juu, lakini mwamuzi ameuharibu utamu wake.''

RAFA: WE ARE ONE OF EUROPE'S BEST

Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool have firmly established themselves as one of the biggest forces in European football.

Although the Reds will end the season without any silverware, the Anfield boss feels Liverpool's strong title challenge demonstrates the quality of his side and admits he is pleased with the progress the team has made in 08-09. Benitez is now looking to sign off from the campaign in style with a victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday to ensure the Reds end the season with a total of 86 points - their best ever tally in the Barclays Premier League. "I think that we are clearly one of the top sides in Europe now," he said. "We have shown this in the Champions League in recent years and now we have shown it in the Premier League by staying so close to Man United until the very end and this means that we have really improved. "We will not win any trophies but it has still been a very good season and we have shown the progress that the team has made. "When you talk about winning trophies in the Premier League in England you always have to remember that the other teams are so strong and the top sides are so good that you can break the club record for points and still it isn’t enough. "It is important to show that we can be contenders and we have managed to do this and this sends out a very good message for the future. "We know that 83 points is a very good record but that 86 would be even better so winning this game is the most important thing, as well as playing well in front of our fans." Liverpool have won nine of their last 10 league fixtures - dropping points only to Arsenal in the pulsating 4-4 draw at Anfield last month - and Benitez is delighted with the superlative form of his side, which he feels bodes well for the future. "As a manager you know that you have made mistakes because you can never guarantee that everything will be perfect in every single game," he added. "But it is also important to remember when we talk about the games that we have drawn that we also won a lot of games at the end which would otherwise have been draws. "So you never know but if you analyse the statistics at the end of the season and they show that you have got 83 or 86 points then you know that it isn’t easy to do too much better." Benitez cites an improved understanding between his players as a key reason for Liverpool's progression and the Spaniard has challenged his team to maintain their high level of performance next season. He said: "The understanding of the players during the second half of the season has been really good. In the first half it was good but in the second half it has been even better. "We have seen players like Benayoun, Gerrard and Lucas who have all played better in the second half of the season and this was important for me. "The main thing now will be to keep the consistency, this is always the most important thing when you are talking about the Premier League."